What you eat and the nutrients you get each day has one of the biggest impacts on your health. There are several simple ways to ensure that your body is being properly fueled daily to contribute to optimal health.
Snack on Nuts
Nuts are often criticized for their high fat content, but these fats are ones that the body needs. Nuts are also high in fiber, magnesium and vitamin E. Some scientists believe that approximately 10 to 15 percent of the calories that are consumed when eating nuts are not absorbed by the body. In one study, the conclusion was that swapping out complex carbohydrate snacks with nuts has the potential to enhance weight loss in addition to providing critical nutrients.
Cook at Home
This is a tip that is often discussed when talking about getting more nutrients. When people cook at home, they can better tailor the nutritional content of their meals. Life is busy, but with meal planning, cooking in advance, and using tools, such as crockpots, cooking at home can be just as convenient as picking up fast food. Those who cook at home are far more likely to get sufficient amounts of protein, micronutrients and fiber.
Be Mindful When Cooking Meat
Those who overcook their meat are not getting as many important nutrients as those who stick to meats that are cooked medium or under. This ensures that the protein and other nutrients are remaining intact and ready for ingestion. It is also possible for meat that is overcooked to form harmful compounds that research shows might contribute to a higher cancer risk.
Eat Produce with Every Meal
Research shows that people who eat a lot of vegetables and fruits tend to live longer and have a lower risk of various disease, such as Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Make sure to have one to two servings with every meal to reap the benefits.
Use More Olive Oil
Make sure to use extra virgin olive oil and use it in place of butter and other oils whenever possible. It is packed with antioxidants and monounsaturated fats which are very heart healthy. Research shows that a diet with sufficient amounts of this oil contributes to a healthier heart.
Start working these easy ideas into a daily diet. This will help to ensure that the body is getting the nutrients that it needs to function optimally.